India’s dermatology and aesthetics market is booming, yet most of the growth is concentrated in metro cities, powered by med-spa branding and heavy digital ad spend. Meanwhile, millions of patients in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities still lack access to qualified dermatological care. Moreover, the treatments, technologies, and AI diagnostic tools available globally remain largely calibrated for Western skin types. It’s against this backdrop that a family-run practice from a small taluka town in Southern Maharashtra has quietly built something remarkable.

In this episode of Growth Diaries, host Sudheer Koneru is joined by Dr. Dhanraj Chavan of ClearSkin and HairMD to trace the full arc of that story, from his formative years at Sainik School to joining his father’s clinical practice and scaling it to six clinics across Pune. Dr. Chavan opens up about his father’s bold pivot from clinical to procedural dermatology at age 45, the power of YouTube-driven patient education that has grown to over two million followers, and the deliberate choices behind adapting international treatment technologies for Indian skin types and price points.

What You’ll Learn:

The values of discipline, continuous learning, and patient-first thinking that have guided the family business
The power of YouTube-driven patient education
Adapting international treatment technologies for Indian skin types and price points
The bold decision to expand into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities rather than chasing metro markets
Why Dr. Chavan believes India urgently needs AI-driven diagnostic tools specifically for Indian skin

Dr. Dhanraj Chavan is a Dermatologist and Co-founder of ClearSkin and HairMD, leading aesthetic dermatology clinics across Maharashtra, specializing in acne scar treatment, fat grafting, and procedural dermatology. With a medical degree from a top-ranked institution and specialized training under internationally acclaimed dermatosurgeons, he has brought advanced treatment protocols to the Indian market while ensuring they're both clinically effective and accessible to local patients.

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Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction
[00:32] Sainik School and the Making of a Founder
[03:45] Embracing AI Before the Hype
[07:00] The Origin Story of ClearSkin and HairMD
[11:52] YouTube as a Growth Engine
[19:38] Adapting Global Treatment
[22:45] Bringing Systems and Scale
[29:51] The Tier 2 and Tier 3 Expansion Strategy
[33:31] Training Every Touchpoint
[39:27] Nonnegotiable Skin Advice for Indian Consumers
[43:16] Building AI for Indian Skin

Episode Resources:

Dr. Dhanraj Chavan’s Website
Dr. Dhanraj Chavan on LinkedIn
Dr. Dhanraj Chavan on YouTube
Dr. Dhanraj Chavan on Instagram
ClearSkin Website
ClearSkin on YouTube
HairMD Website
HairMD on YouTube
Sudheer Koneru on LinkedIn
Zenoti Website